5th Grade Students of the Month

 Have you ever heard the phrase, "Choose your friends wisely?"  Our two 5th Grade Students of the Month have done just that.   Congratulations to Kenny and Kenyon for being named our 5th Grade Students of the Month.  Kenny and Kenyon are best friends with the best character. They are kind, thoughtful, and hardworking.  When they walk into school each day, they are quick to greet everyone around them with a smile. Their energy is contagious.  Kenny and Kenyon are a great example of, "You are who you surround yourself with," so choose your friends wisely!

Whiteside Families helping Whiteside Families

 One of our Whiteside  families donated all the potatoes, oranges, and stuffing for the holiday food baskets.  We live in a generous community.  We are grateful for our Whiteside families.

6th Grade Student of the Month: Maha

 Since the very beginning of this unique school year, Maha's enthusiasm for learning stood out to all her teachers.  Maha  joins her virtual classes with a smile on her face and a positive attitude.  Maha is always willing to help others and ask questions.  Congratulations to Maha for being named our 6th Grade Student of the Month!

National Junior Honor Society Food Drive

 Our National Junior Honor Society students hosted a drive through food drive.  Thanks to everyone who donated!  The food that was collected was given to our own Whiteside families.  We live in a generous community.

6th Grade Student of the Month: Lena

 From the first day she entered the virtual classroom, Lena was off and running!  She is the first to jump on meetings and ask the questions that everyone else was thinking.  She allowed herself to be a leader amongst her classmates right away with her hardworking and positive attitude.  She always goes above and beyond on all assignments, both big and small.  Keep up the great work, Lena!

7th Grade Science: Gummy Bear Lab

 7th grade students used gummy bears to explore the process of osmosis, the movement of water.  The gummy bears changed in volume after being left in various liquids overnight.  The gummy bears were left in tap water, salt water, and corn syrup.

Whiteside Families Supporting our Students

 Thank you to our Whiteside families for purchasing gifts for our own Whiteside students.  We live in such a generous community!

PCs for People

 Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois are teaming up with an organization that allows families to get computers for as low as $20.00.  The PCs for People event will take place in Belleville on Saturday, December 19 from 9-12 pm.  Wireless internet hotspots are also available.  Families can apply today to pick up a PC and a hotspot at the drive-through event that is sponsored by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois.  You can apply for the PC and hotspot at tinyurl.com/pcsforpeopleil.   If you have any questions about the program or you need assistance applying, you can call our school office at 239-0000.

Video: PTC Dine and Donate

 Please view this short video about the Parent Teacher Club Dine and Donate at Marco's Pizza.

Click the link below to view the video:

https://youtu.be/1fI-nlZxgDE

The Weekend Warrior in Action

 Nate and Eugene started the Weekend Warrior this past  Thursday, Dec. 10.  They purchased food, stocked the pantry, and filled bags with food for students who have food insecurity over the long weekend.  Nate and Eugene lead with compassion and make our school a better place.

7th Grade Science Lab: Cell Membrane

 7th grade scientists created bubble holders and used bubbles to explore the flexibility of the cell membrane.  The properties of soap film mimic the properties of the cell membrane.

6th Grade Student of the Month: Jackson

This amazing 6th grade student shows caring and compassion to all of those around him. Jackson has a kind heart and the welcoming smile to go with it. He is a hard worker who always gets the job done. Jackson makes all of those around him feel his positivity and his desire to make the world a better place. Congratulations to Jackson for being named our 6th Grade Student of the Month!

Video: Holiday Food Drive

 Please view this short video about the Holiday Drive Through Food Drive.

Click the link below to view the video:

https://youtu.be/IA_xwQmisT8

The Weekend Warrior is Back!

 8th grader Nate Smith met with Ms. Gain and Ms. Selliers to make plans to start the Weekend Warrior program again.  This program helps our students who have food insecurity over the weekend and extended school breaks.  Nate packs bags filled with food for students over the long weekend.  Thank you, Nate, for leading and caring.

Video: Results from Winter Benchmark Testing

 Please view this short video about the winter benchmark testing results.

Click the link below to view the video.

https://youtu.be/O8mFgGBnlUc

Scientist Meets with our 7th Graders

 Mrs. Phillips had a special guest for her 7th grade science students.  Tara Essock-Burns, a marine biologist from the University of Hawaii, met with 7th graders to discuss using beneficial bacteria to develop animal tissue.  Over 75 students attended this after school virtual event!  Thank to Tara Essock-Burns for spending time with our students.

6th Grade Student of the Month: Kelvin

 Our 6th Grade  Student of the Month is Kelvin.  This hard working student always enters the classroom with a smile on his face and a fantastic attitude.  Kelvin works hard to complete his work on time and always does his very best.  His work ethic showed from day one and all of his teachers noticed!  Great job, Kelvin!